2008-01-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Peter Loach, Piedmont Housing Alliance, thanked the CDBG Task Force and Council for their $200,000 investment in affordable housing through PHA for the Monte Vista Apartments. Ms. Kay Slaughter, representing the Southern Environmental Law Center, presented Council with copies of SELC’s latest report on land use and climate change. She commended Council for its attention to these issues. Mr. Peter Kleeman, 407 Hedge Street, said that as we move forward with a transit authority, pedestrian issues need to be addressed both in the future and immediately. He th said he was surprised that the 4 Street mall crossing was open for First Night Virginia. He said we need a policy for when the crossing should be closed. Mr. Aaron Wunsch, 338 Monticello Road, echoed Mr. Bluestone’s comments. He said Mary Joy Scala in Neighborhood Development Services needs more resources. COUNCIL RESPONSES TO MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC Mr. Huja said he would like to look at Mr. Kleeman’s idea of pedestrianism. Dr. Brown said he agrees with most of Mr. Bluestone’s comments, and he regrets that Council did not take a closer look at the matter. He thanked Mr. Bluestone for all the work he put into the issue. He agreed with Ms. Hall regarding concerns about recycling. He said we need to remind people of the importance of recycling. He said he would like to see a comprehensive look at pedestrian issues in the City. He said we have to cooperate with Albemarle County as well. Mr. Taliaferro said he agrees with Dr. Brown regarding pedestrian safety, and would like to have a standardized crosswalk system. He said he would also like to look at having indicators with times. Ms. Edwards thanked everyone for their comments. She agreed with the need for more police presence on Hardy Drive. She said we need to look more at community policing. Mr. Norris agreed with Mr. Bluestone that we do need to ask harder questions in the future. He agreed with Mr. Kleeman about the mall crossing, and said he thinks it should be closed during major events. Mr. O’Connell said staff is looking at broad pedestrian safety issues and involving citizens in the process. He said he will be back to Council with a report. Mr. Huja said he would like to see a report from the City Manager on what is happening on Hardy Drive. CONSENT AGENDA On motion by Ms. Edwards, seconded by Mr. Taliaferro, the following consent agenda items were approved by the following vote. Ayes: Dr. Brown, Ms. Edwards (except that Ms. Edwards abstained from voting on approval of the minutes), Mr. Huja (except that Mr. Huja abstained from voting on approval of the minutes), Mr. Norris, and Mr. Taliaferro. Noes: None. Abstaining: Ms. Edwards and Mr. Huja on approval of the minutes. a. Minutes of December 11 and 17 APPROPRIATION b. : $761,200 – Technology for Schools from FY 97 Surplus nd (2 reading) WHEREAS , at the December 3, 2007 City Council meeting, City Council approved designating $761,200 from the FY 2007 Fund Balance Target Excess for the City School’s classroom technology improvement initiative.